But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
— Luke 6:27-28

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
— Ephesians 4:32

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
— Proverbs 25:21

~~~~~

Emerald Mercy
By Jennifer Kane

Love your enemies, He said—
not with clenched fists, not with words
like flint striking steel, but with grace
as green and soft as spring’s first breath.

Bless those who curse you, He said—
not with hollow prayers, but with hands
that let go of old wounds,
that open like clover to the sun.

Do good to those who hate you, He said—
as the rain falls on field and thorn alike,
as the river carries both leaf and stone,
as emerald hills stand firm,
unmoved by the storms that pass.

Pray for those who mistreat you, He said—
not for justice wrapped in fire,
not for their hearts to bear the weight of regret,
but for the weight to be lifted,
for them to rise, forgiven and free.

And in this, the gold of heaven gleams—
not in coins, not in crowns,
but in mercy richer than kings could count,
shining, deep and boundless,
like the green of the hills,
like the love of our Lord.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Luke 6:27-28, Ephesians 4:32, Proverbs 25:21

St. Patrick’s life is a testimony to the power of forgiveness. Kidnapped as a teenager and enslaved in Ireland, he had every reason to resent his captors. But when he escaped and later heard God’s call to return, he chose compassion over bitterness. Instead of seeking revenge, he brought the message of Christ’s love to the very people who had once wronged him.

His story echoes Jesus’ command to love our enemies, pray for those who hurt us, and show kindness even when it’s undeserved. Forgiveness isn’t just about releasing others—it frees our own hearts from the burden of anger and resentment. Compassion allows us to see others as God sees them—broken people in need of grace, just as we are.

Is there someone in your life whom you struggle to forgive?
How can you show Christ-like compassion, even in difficult situations?
What would it look like to pray for someone who has hurt you?

This St. Patrick’s Day, let’s follow his example by choosing forgiveness over bitterness and compassion over anger. Take a moment today to pray for someone who has wronged you. Ask God to soften your heart and help you extend His grace, just as He has freely given it to you.

~~~~~

Father, thank You for Your mercy and the forgiveness You offer through Jesus. Teach me to love my enemies and show compassion even when it’s hard. Help me to release bitterness and walk in the freedom of Your grace. Just as St. Patrick returned to his captors with love, may I reflect Your love in my own life. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

March 17 2025